Effects of inundation duration on southeastern Louisiana oyster reefs
Understanding the effects of predicted rising sea levels, combined with changes in precipitation and freshwater inflow on key estuarine ecosystem engineers such as the eastern oyster would provide critical information to inform restoration design and predictive models. Using oyster ladders with shell bags placed at three heights to capture a range of inundation levels, oyster growth of naturally recruited spat was monitored over the course of 6 months. Oyster numbers and shell heights were consistently highest in bottom and mid bags experiencing greater than 50% inundation (mid: 63 ± 7%; bottom: 95 ± 3%). Identifying thresholds for optimal oyster growth and survival to enhance restoration engineering would require finer scale evaluation of inundation levels.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2020 |
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Title | Effects of inundation duration on southeastern Louisiana oyster reefs |
DOI | 10.1017/exp.2020.35 |
Authors | Danielle A. Marshall, Megan La Peyre |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Experimental Results |
Index ID | 70228538 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Coop Res Unit Atlanta |